The word "obturation" is spelled /ˌɒbtjʊˈreɪʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable starts with the "ah" sound as in "lot" and is followed by a "b" sound. The second syllable starts with a "ch" sound as in "chip" but with a "j" sound instead. The third syllable starts with the "ey" sound as in "way" and is followed by a "sh" sound. The last syllable starts with the "uh" sound as in "cup" and ends with an "n" sound. Obturation refers to the process of filling a cavity or canal in a tooth with a filling material.
Obturation is a term commonly used in dentistry and endodontics, referring to a method or process of sealing or filling a root canal system. It involves filling the empty space inside a root canal, which has been cleaned and shaped during a root canal treatment, with a suitable filling material.
The primary goal of obturation is to create a three-dimensional seal to prevent any ingress of bacteria or reinfection of the root canal system. This sealing process helps to ensure the long-term success of root canal treatment and maintains the integrity of the tooth structure.
The obturation procedure typically involves the use of a biocompatible and dimensionally stable material, such as gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like substance derived from the sap of certain trees. Gutta-percha cones are selected in various sizes and are heated and compacted into the root canal space using specialized instruments, such as spreaders and pluggers. This results in a tightly packed, solid mass of gutta-percha filling the entire root canal, from the tip of the root to the access cavity in the crown of the tooth.
In addition to gutta-percha, a sealer or cement is often used along with it to aid in the sealing process. The sealer fills the microscopic gaps and irregularities in the root canal walls, ensuring a complete seal between the filling material and the root canal system.
Obturation is a critical step in root canal therapy, as it plays a crucial role in preventing reinfection and further damage to the tooth.
The word "obturation" comes from the Latin verb "obturare", which means "to stop up" or "to close off". It is derived from the prefix "ob-" (meaning "in the way" or "against") and the verb "tūrāre" (meaning "to block" or "to seal"). In the field of dentistry, "obturation" refers to the process of filling a root canal or dental cavity to close it off and prevent further infection.